Fears of flooding force delay on Hetton new homes plan

NEW DEVELOPMENT: Derrick Smith at the proposed site in Hetton.

PLANS to approve a scheme to create more than 60 homes have been put back after councillors spoke of their concerns.

The proposal by Persimmon Homes to build 63 houses east of Gillas Lane in Hetton, was heard by Sunderland City Council’s planning and highways committee and attended by a number of residents.

Many living close to the six-acre site have experienced flooding problems in recent years and argue that to build homes nearby would exacerbate the problem.

Last year, plans to build 148 houses on the former Broomhill site and proposals to create a further 78 homes east of there, next to where Persimmon hopes to build, were given the go-ahead.

Hetton Road resident Jim Murray, who lives just yards from the development site, said: “There would be unacceptable intrusion and problems in the form of noise.

“The proposed site is greenbelt land, which has never been built on before.”

Councillor Derrick Smith, of Copt Hill ward, where the plans are earmarked, told the meeting: “There is almost no local support for this development, due to the concerns about noise, the possibility of flooding, loss of privacy and a negative effect on the wildlife.”

Despite the calls, Northumbrian Water Limited’s Les Hall told members that research had indicated that building the homes would not increase risk of flooding to residents nearby.

Chairman, Councillor Phil Tye, said that the decision on the proposals from Persimmon would be deferred.